Anti-NGO Laws and Other Tools of Democratic Repression

 

Yesterday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee heard from three witnesses regarding "Anti-NGO Laws and Other Tools of Democratic Repression."  The three witnesses were Douglas Rutzen, Yaqiu Wang, and Eka Gigauri.   You can watch the one hour and forty five minute hearing above.  You can also read Rutzen's prepared statement here, Wang's prepared statement here, and Gigauri's statement here.  Here is an excerpt from media coverage: 

According to Freedom House, global freedom has declined for 18 consecutive years. Seventy-one percent of the world’s population – 5.7 billion people – live in autocracies. Some say the world is witnessing a “democratic recession,” but many countries have already entered a new phase: the Great Repression, Douglas Rutzen, President and CEO, of the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law declared during the Committee Hearing of Anti-NGO Laws and Other Tools of Democratic Repression.  A representative of Georgia’s civic society said U.S.  sanctions should target individuals undermining democracy and serving Russian interests, not the people of Georgia, whom America supports. “Autocrats fear the loss of control, and this ensures opposing ideas are neither seen nor heard. The United States must do more to combat this trend”, U.S. Senator Jim Risch said.As a tool of repression, governments are enacting legislation to restrict civil society, including human rights groups, development organizations, religious organizations, and chambers of commerce. In doing so, governments undermine freedom, peace, and prosperity, Douglas Rutzen, President and CEO, of the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law said.  According to ICNL data, 72 countries have introduced more than 270 legal initiatives restricting civil society over the past five years. Governments are converting the rule of law into the rule by law. They are using legislation to consolidate power, control civil society, and constrain civic freedom.

darryll k. jones